19.08.19
LGA praises councils’ efforts carrying out NHS health checks
Following the launch of an evidence-based review into NHS health checks by health and social secretary Matt Hancock, the Local Government Association (LGA) have praised the efforts of councils.
Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, councillor Ian Hudspeth, said: “Health checks can save lives and prevent people from developing life-threatening conditions.
“Councils have done a tremendous job in inviting more than 14 million eligible people to have a check over the last five years, of which 6.8 million have taken up the offer.
“By engaging people in early conversations about their health, councils have helped people improve their health and reduce the risk of developing serious but preventable conditions. We are keen to do more to improve uptake, especially amongst the most high risk groups.”
READ MORE: NHS Health Checks up 9.5% - PHE
For Cllr Hudspeth, the new evidence-based review – which has proposed a move towards more tailored health checks – represents a great opportunity, but one that can only be realised should the Government ensure that council funding is not further slashed.
He explained: “Councils have seen cuts of £700m to their public health funding over the last five years which has impacted on their ability to continue the good work they have been doing.
“This is why we want the Government to reverse these cuts in the upcoming Spending Round and invest in prevention to not only improve the health and quality of life of people but also reduce the burden on council services and the NHS."